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Co-occurring depression treatment in Woking

At Life Works, we understand that the symptoms that are associated with depression can be debilitating and often prevent many people from seeking the help that they need. Our Life Works specialists possess unrivalled clinical experience in the treatment of depression, when this co-occurs alongside a primary addictionor eating disorder diagnosis.

Our bespoke treatment plans ensure that each and every one of our clients benefit from a personalised treatment journey, in order to guarantee the best possible outcomes for them as individuals.

I think I need treatment for co-occurring depression. How can Life Works help me?

At Life Works, we know that seeking help for your mental health challenges can be daunting, but it is important to recognise that this is the most crucial step that you can take to address your problems and start your journey towards long-lasting recovery.

Our dedicated team are committed to ensuring that your treatment journey is bespoke and suited to your individual needs. During your initial assessment, our experts will be able to gather comprehensive information on your unique condition, symptoms and medical history, in order to formulate a tailored treatment plan.

Depression is a serious mental health condition that is characterised by profound and overwhelming feelings of sadness. When this condition co-occurs alongside an addiction or eating disorder, it can cause multiple issues which can ultimately have a hugely detrimental effect on an individual’s physical and psychological wellbeing. It is important to recognise that it is normal for everyone to feel sad and upset on occasions, but there are some individuals who experience such crushing low moods that their ability to function is compromised.

What are the signs and symptoms of depression?

The signs and symptoms of depression can vary from person to person and also according to the type and severity of the depression that you are struggling with alongside your addiction or eating disorder. Depression symptoms can be categorised into psychological, physical and social symptoms, with some of the most common symptoms of depression including:

Social symptoms of depression:

Treatment for co-occurring depression at Life Works

All of the treatment that we offer at Life Works in Woking is holistic in nature. This means that we do not only seek to address the obvious manifestations and symptoms of your mental health difficulties, but also work to establish an understanding of the causes and triggers for your problems. This allows for the development of life-long coping skills, enabling long-term recovery. Treatment for co-occurring depression at Life Works takes place as part of your addiction or eating disorder treatment programme and can consist of:

Group therapy for depression - group therapy has been found to be highly effective in the treatment of depression when this occurs alongside a diagnosed addiction or eating disorder. This form of therapy takes place in a group setting with other Life Works clients who are on a similar recovery journey to you. Discussing your problems in a group enables you to share your experiences with other people, receive feedback on your progress and offer mutual support in a highly compassionate environment

One-to-one therapy for depression - one-to-one therapy is used in addition to group therapy in the treatment of depression and allows for in-depth exploration of the underlying causes and symptoms of your depression with one of our specialists. This allows for a highly personalised approach to tackling your unique condition

Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) for depression - CBT is a widely used treatment method for a range of mental health conditions, including depression. CBT, a form of psychotherapy, encourages you to identify and address dysfunctional thinking that may be leading to your crushing feelings of sadness, before equipping you with ways of challenging these irrational thought patterns in order to view your life in a healthier, more positive way

Medication for depression - medication is often used alongside CBT in order to complement this psychotherapeutic elements of treatment. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), a type of antidepressant medication, have been found to be useful in treating depression and can serve as an additional buffer against depression when used in combination with talking therapies. Your suitability to take antidepressant medication will be thoroughly assessed and considered in conjunction with your addiction or eating disorder diagnosis

Types of depression

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There are a number of different types of depression which can co-occur alongside your addiction or eating disorder. Each type of depression can result in different symptoms and impact on sufferers in unique ways. These include:

Severe depression – if you find that you are experiencing significant fatigue, no longer find pleasure in activities or hobbies that you used to enjoy, and feel as though you can no longer experience joy, it may be that you are suffering from severe depression. Symptoms of severe depression can be extreme and often have a negative impact on an individual’s ability to function. Signs that you may be suffering from severe depression include:

Struggling to look after yourself

Inability to engage in simple, everyday tasks

Feeling unable to go to work

A significant reduction in appetite causing weight loss

Extreme feelings of hopelessness and worthlessness

Suicidal thoughts and impulses

Mild/moderate depression – mild/moderate depression causes symptoms that are similar to those that are associated with severe depression, but these tend to be less extreme or debilitating. Most cases of depression are classified as ‘mild’ or ‘moderate’, but this doesn’t mean that these forms of depression are ‘insignificant’. If you suffer from mild/moderate depression, you may find that you experience small improvements in your symptoms from day-to-day, but overall, your ability to function continues to be negatively affected

Bipolar depression – bipolar depression is experienced by individuals who have a diagnosis of bipolar disorder. This form of depression causes symptoms that are similar to those that are characteristic of severe depression, but can also include periods of elation, euphoria, grandiose thinking and hyperactivity

Recurrent depression – recurrent depression is characterised by experiencing repeated depressive episodes, but not exhibiting any of the specific symptoms that are associated with bipolar depression, including mood elevation or high energy

Dysthymia – an individual may receive a diagnosis of dysthymia if they have experienced prolonged periods of low mood, lasting for up to several years, yet their symptoms are not severe enough to have a significant impact on their ability to function

Causes of depression

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As is the case for most mental health conditions, research suggests that there are a number of factors that can increase the likelihood of an individual developing some form of depression at some point in their lives. Potential causes of depression may include:

Being the victim of abuse and/or neglect, particularly during childhood

Having a family history of depression or mental illness

Personal history of other mental health conditions

Suffering from chronic medical conditions such as cancer

Having certain personality traits such as low self-esteem or being overly self-critical

Contact Life Works Today

To discuss how the Life Works team can help to support individuals and families dealing with an Eating Disorder or Addiction issue or for further information on treatment and rehabilitation programmes, please call: 01483 745 066 or click here to make an enquiry.